New eco-friendly welding regulations

The process of welding traditionally generates a lot of fumes, so your business must be conscious of the effect that welding can have on the environment. The EU regulation on the eco-friendly performance of welding machines can help you to achieve this.

Welding equipment comprises products that are used for manual, automated or semi-automated welding, brazing, soldering or cutting – the process of joining two metal pieces by the application of heat.

New regulations from the EU address the ecodesign requirements of welding equipment which includes the environmental aspects of welding equipment (such as energy consumption when the product is being used) and ensuring a level of efficiency with your resources.

By 2030, it is estimated that the ecodesign requirements in this Regulation will result in annual energy savings of 1,09TWh, corresponding to total annual savings of about 0,27Mt CO2 equivalent - better for the environment and cost-efficient.

Ecodesign requirements

To comply with energy efficiency requirements, welding equipment must be in-line with the power source efficiency and idle state power consumption:

• Welding equipment powered by three-phase power sources with direct current (DC) output. Minimum power source efficiency must be at 85%, and maximum idle state power consumption must be at 50W.

• Welding equipment powered by single-phase power sources with direct current (DC) output. Minimum power source efficiency must be at 80% and maximum idle state power consumption must be at 50W.

• Welding equipment powered by single-phase and three-phase power sources with alternating current (AC) output. Minimum power source efficiency must be at 80% and maximum idle state power consumption must be at 50W.

Resource efficiency and information requirements

Businesses are also expected to adhere to the updated resource efficiency requirements. Due to this, distributors, such as Engweld, will have the resources available to replace any spare parts that you may need for a minimum period of 10 years after the production of the unit.

This includes providing spare parts for; control panels, power sources, equipment housing, batteries and welding torches just to name a few. These parts shall indicate the use of welding wire or filler material in grams per minute or equivalent standardised units of measurement.

The updated regulations also allow you to gain access for any repair and maintenance information that you need. All distributors, including Engweld, will now have to state the power source efficiency and power source consumption making it easier for you to ensure that your welding equipment is eco- friendly and compliant with these EU regulations.

For the full breakdown of the latest EU requirements regarding eco-friendly welding equipment, visit: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1784/oj

Engweld is an approved service agent for leading brands of welding plant and associated equipment, offering full service and spares facilities from its main branches, both on or off-site. Engweld’s welding equipment is also in-line with the latest EU regulations, ensuring that a business can adhere to these new guidelines. For more information, visit https://engweld.co.uk/repairs-and- servicing.